Giselle

Giselle
Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO
October 4-13, 2013

As a new ballet fan, I have heard of Giselle, but I hadn't seen it. Before purchasing tickets, I looked up the synopsis. The story seemed a bit strange, but I decided to check it out anyway.

The ballet itself was beautiful. The set for Act One was a charming village. All the villagers had pretty costumes and the dancing was delightful to watch. The story was a simple one. Giselle, a sickly young woman, falls in love with Duke Albrecht. Unfortunately, he is already engaged to a woman of the court. Hilarion, who is in love with Giselle, tells her who her new lover is, and she dies of shock.

At intermission I think the audience was a bit stunned. Two dogs who had been on stage during Act One were brought out for the kids to pet. That helped lighten the mood.

Act Two was set in a dark forest where Giselle had been buried. We learn she has become one of the Wilis, the spirits of young women who died before they married. Far from being scary, the Wilis were gorgeously attired in while, a startling contrast to the dark forest. The complex dances they had were even more beautiful.

The dancing and visual effects of Act Two made up for the silly storyline. Giselle asks forgiveness for Albrecht, her deceptive lover while completely ignoring the cruel fate of Hilarion, who really loved her.

Even though I found the story unsatisfying, the presentation was stunning. This production was well worth seeing.